This is likely to affect betting markets but we can assure AP speculators the four-year-old Exceed And Excel gelding worked superbly earlier this week.

Shanghai Glory was one of the unluckiest losers during ‘Glorious Goodwood’ week and subsequently ‘won’ the race on Ripon’s stands-side in the class 2 ‘Great St Wilfrid’ when finishing third, beaten less than a length, by Mattmu and Pipers Note.

Jamie mentioned just how unlucky Shanghai Glory had been on both occasions; methinks he’s decided to ride at Newbury because forecast ‘soft’ ground will be an issue which, incidentally, isn’t a concern, according to Barry Hills!

Big chance for Shepherd.

In the meantime, Hills introduces Rewaayat in division two of the Maiden Stakes over six furlongs ‘good’ Newbury ground today; apparently this Hamdan al Maktoum-owned Pivotal colt is in the ‘Faringdon’ first division and expected to go close.

This combination was caught in the last strides down the Yarmouth straight last month but easy-moving Foxtrot Lady improved considerably on two previous efforts and is ready to win.

This promises to be an intriguing meeting, the first division is ‘chocker’ with well-bred newcomers and lightly-raced juveniles from ‘fashionable’ yards; tough for betting which isn’t the case at Newcastle where once-raced, Mark Johnston-trained, Snax faces an easy task in a six-runner Maiden Auction Stakes over the straight tapeta mile.

Also at my absolute favourite punting venue Revenge is on a tempting mark in division one of the Nursery Handicap over six furlongs judged on his close third at Kempton last week.